A new report has found that traffic deaths fells 3% during the first half of 2023, while miles traveled by motorists increased by 2.3%.
The report by the National Safety Council on August 25 stated that the fatality decrease and mileage increase worked out to a death rate of 1.34 people per 100 million vehicle miles. This is a 5.6% decrease from 2022.
Starting in January, and ending in June, the United States saw 21,130 traffic deaths. In 2022, there were 21,870 deaths in the same time period.
“While there is a glimmer of hope that progress is being made, these estimates are still a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead,” said Mark Chung, the group’s executive vice president of roadway practice. The final six months of the year are more likely to see an increase in fatal crashes as travel increases.
According to the report, nine states saw over a 15% decline in year-over-year traffic deaths during the first half of 2023, compared to 2022.
Maine saw the biggest decline in road deaths by 48%, with Nebraska following at a 26% decline. Hawaii had a decline of 23% and New Jersey declined by 20%.
Despite the decrease in fatalities, nine states saw an increase with Rhode Island seeing a 164% jump, followed by Arizona with a 69% increase.
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Source: Transportation Topics
